The Trader Joe's Listeria Crisis Just Got Worse

If you’re one of the many shoppers who worship at the altar of Trader Joe’s, you might want to watch what you eat this week. In the latest update of a recall that was initially announced on May 3, the discount grocer has added two other items to the list of products that may be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. Among the new items that present a health risk are Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice and their Chicken Fried Rice, both of which contain broccoli, peas, and vegetable medleys that may contain the deadly bacteria.

Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s is urging customers to “discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.” The recalls are just the latest to affect the popular grocery chain since the FDA revealed that a number of items that were packaged at CRF Food Products’ frozen facilities in Washington since May 1, 2014, could be contaminated. Among those were 33,610 pounds of its beloved Broccoli Slaw and Kale Salad with White Chicken with expiration dates from May 2 to May 7.

Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s isn’t the only retailer affected by the massive recall. Products sold at the likes of Safeway and Costco were also included in a list published by the FDA, which can be viewed here.

Listeria, which has been the source of a number of food scares as of late, is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, symptoms include aches, fever, and muscle fatigue, and it can cause miscarriages in pregnant women and sometimes even death. Trader Joe’s is urging customers with any questions to contact the retailer via email, or by calling (626) 599-3817.

Use your uncontaminated frozen fruits and vegetables to make fresh juice with the help of Waring Pro’s Juice Extractor, and let us know if you’re concerned about the current listeria outbreak.